Riverfront reserves and boat ramps open in Murray Bridge in time for long weekend

Riverfront reserves and boat ramps will reopen in Murray Bridge for the first time since the floods – but it comes with a big warning.

River Murray access has been approved for recreational use in a boost for visitors and residents looking to get back on the water and salvage some of the remaining warmer weather on the river.

Boat ramps at three Murray Bridge and Wellington riverfront reserves are open from today, March 10, after flood water receded to pool levels and repair work was completed.

It is good news for the Murraylands region as life slowly returns back to normal post-flood and businesses reopen.

While many business are planning for a busy long weekend, White Sands Riverfront Caravan Park doesn't know how busy they will be.

“The river was open so late here, people have already made their long weekend plans so we were actually waiting to see what will happen this weekend ourselves,” manager Tom Hines said.

“This summer has been so quiet and we get the impression that there’s still some hesitancy about the safety of the river, but it is about as normal as it could get.

“We’re preparing for there to be plenty of people around and I think they will be surprised with how normal the river looks.”

This week, the popular Pretoria Hotel reopened its doors in Mannum and the Murray Bridge Community Club and the neighbouring River Tavern reopened last month.

Public facilities first began to close from November in preparation for the high water and bans were placed on river usage to protect residents from unsafe flood water.

However, the Murray Bridge council confirmed launching facilities at Sturt Reserve, Long Island Reserve and Baker Reserve are open from 12pm today while the Long Island and Baker reserves are set to be open to the public.

Rural City of Murray Bridge chief executive officer Michael Sedgman welcomed residents and visitors making use of the boat ramps over the long weekend, but urged caution on the water.

“People have been eager to get back on the river and council has been diligently working to repair the ramps and restore access, in line with expert advice, as quickly and safely as possible,” he said.

“Once water receded to pool level, expert advice identified stabilisation works were needed to ensure public safety.

“Minor repairs to the end of the ramps was undertaken and after some final cleaning the boat ramps will reopen … just in time for everyone to enjoy our riverfront reserves over the long weekend.”

Mr Sedgman said it was important boating enthusiasts remained aware of lingering dangers on the River Murray post-flood.

“Although water levels are now at pool level, the water remains fast flowing and many hidden dangers washed downstream still lurk below the surface of the water, changing the traditional landscape of the river,” he said.

“It’s important to be aware of these dangers and exercise caution on the water at all times.”

Renmark Paringa Council mayor Peter Hunter said there were multiple ramps for people to get to the water.

“The river is the life of the Riverland and without it we’re a semi desert,” he said.

“To be able to get out on the river for leisure times is something pretty special and it is central to the people of the Riverland.”

Mr Hunter cautioned anyone using the river to be careful particularly of logs and timber floating in the water.

“The water is still flowing reasonably fast so people still need to be careful and the biggest issue is to be careful of what floating on or just under the surface of water,” he said.